Communication Device Orientation Guidance for High-Frequency Signal Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communication systems using high frequency bands, user obstructions such as buildings or vehicles can significantly reduce signal strength, leading to deteriorated communication quality, and existing methods of guiding users to improve signal strength may hinder user experience.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus equipped with sensors to determine orientation, measure signal strength, and provide visual and haptic feedback to guide users to turn towards higher signal strength without disrupting their experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user is guided to turn in a direction for high signal strength, then communication quality is improved, but user experience may be hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The notification is displayed locally in the corner of the screen rather than taking over the entire display, allowing users to perceive the orientation guidance without it dominating their visual field and disrupting their activities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A small directional indicator icon serves as an intermediary element that conveys orientation information subtly, guiding users without directly interrupting their primary tasks or demanding their full attention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional notification methods are used to guide orientation, then signal strength guidance is achieved, but user activity disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strength guidanceVSAvoiduser activity interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Only the minimal necessary information (a small directional icon in the corner) is displayed to guide users, rather than using full-screen notifications or multiple alerts that would excessively interrupt user activities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous subtle feedback through the persistent corner icon that updates with orientation information, allowing users to self-correct their device orientation without being forced to stop their current activities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4142269B1Communication device, method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4142269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4142269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a communication apparatus including a determination unit that determines a direction in which the communication apparatus faces, a measurement unit that measures signal strength indicating strength of a radio wave received by the communication apparatus, a notification unit that notifies a user of the signal strength falling below a first threshold, and a display unit that superimposes a direction in which the signal strength exceeds a second threshold, as first display, on second display being displayed. This configuration makes it possible to guide the user to turn in a direction in which high signal strength is received, without hindering UX of the user of the communication apparatus using a high frequency band as much as possible.